Costing Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. Established as a core CGIAR Research Center, CIMMYT focuses on improving the quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems for basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, and millets. The organization operates primarily in the Global South, building strong partnerships to enhance the livelihoods and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers. CIMMYT is committed to creating a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system while working within planetary boundaries. The organization is involved in global research partnerships aimed at reducing poverty, enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and improving natural resources. For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

Job Overview:
CIMMYT is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated, and service-oriented professional for the position of Costing Specialist within the Financial Planning Unit. The primary focus of this role is on Accounting, Cost allocations, and Expenses analysis. The Costing Specialist will be responsible for implementing an appropriate costing methodology that provides accurate information across the organization, including new operations. This position will oversee the costs associated with CIMMYT's Engagement, Operations, and Engagements chapters, ensuring that financial practices align with the organization's goals and standards. The role requires a proactive approach to financial management, with an emphasis on supporting the updated Chargeback Rates and the Costing Manual, as well as conducting thorough budget and financial analyses of regional office operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Costing Specialist will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: focusing on cost accounting, indirect costs, and cost allocations; supporting the updated Chargeback Rates and the Costing Manual; overseeing the budget and financial analysis of Regional Offices operations; performing monthly indirect cost and chargeback analysis; providing support for financial costing analysis at the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA); participating in the institutional yearly budget process, including revenues, administration, operational expenses, and CAPEX; creating institutional templates with historical information and forecasts; uploading budgets for support and institutional units in the Microsoft Dynamics AX system; monitoring expenses monthly to control variations and avoid over-expenditure; preparing and sending monthly and quarterly financial management reports; conducting budget versus actuals comparisons and analyses; managing large databases in Excel for financial analysis; preparing accurate financial reports in compliance with international standards; supporting the Integrated Management Reporting Package (IMRP) on a monthly basis; collaborating with various organizational areas to gather necessary information for budget analysis; assisting the financial information and Reporting Manager; responding to ad hoc requests for financial information; and performing other duties as directed by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, along with a minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and expenses analysis. Experience in costing based on activities, production, and services is essential. Candidates should have knowledge of financial systems, ERP, MS Office, and managing large databases, as well as data extraction methods and report presentation skills. Demonstrated experience in preparing timely financial management information, including the use of visual information, is required. Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify financial trends are crucial, along with advanced Excel skills. The ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and plan effectively is necessary, as is a proactive and flexible approach to managing conflicting priorities and deadlines. A strong customer service orientation and excellent communication skills, along with a high level of attention to detail, are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of financial management, cost accounting, and budgeting processes that the Costing Specialist will be involved in.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of working experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and expenses analysis. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the financial practices and methodologies necessary for effective cost management and financial reporting within the organization.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is mandatory for this position. Candidates must possess good written and oral communication skills, as well as presentation and negotiation abilities. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders within the organization.

Additional Notes:
CIMMYT offers an attractive remuneration package along with support for continuous professional development. In addition to the provisions of Mexican Labor Law, the benefits package includes a year-end bonus equivalent to 40 days of salary, a vacation premium of 56%, life and medical insurance, supermarket coupons, a savings fund, and social benefits under Mexican law (IMSS, SAR / Infonavit). The position is based at CIMMYT headquarters in Texcoco, near Mexico City.